Pietersen to see specialist

Thursday 22 January 2009 00:07 BST

England will make a decision on whether Kevin Pietersen can play a full part in next week's third Ashes Test after he sees a specialist about his Achilles problem.

The Hampshire batsman struggled throughout England's second Test triumph over Australia with an Achilles problem, prompting speculation that he has already been ruled out of England's plans for the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

But coach Andy Flower insists Pietersen has not been discounted from selection and said: "It does make life a bit uncomfortable for an athlete to have that sort of injury, but he's going to be re-assessed later this week. He's got a couple of people he's going to be talking to and then the experts will make a decision on whether he's OK or not."

He added: "He's been struggling quite badly with that Achilles injury for quite a period of time. It's an uncomfortable injury to have, especially in a Test match.

"You're always on your feet, if you bat for any period of time you're scampering between the wickets and you feel it all the time - there's no getting away from it.

Flintoff was bullish about his prospects of playing at Edgbaston having bowled an unbroken 10-over spell to finish with five for 92 to seal victory before lunch on Monday while Flower remains upbeat about Onions' chances of selection.

"Graham got a blow on the shoulder when he was batting," explained Flower. "It affected his elbow when he was bowling and as soon as he straightened it he was suffering severe pain.

"He was a doubt to bowl on that last day, but I would imagine with the rest available between the second and third Test he would be fine."